IT’S PAY DAY IN ELDORET: Kirui, Jepchirchir win men and women's Family Bank half marathon titles

HALF MARATHON Athletes participate in men 21 kilometer Half Marathon race sponsored by Family Bank in Eldoret yesterday. Sammy Kitui won the race. 04.10.2015. Pictures By Peter Ochieng

Little-known Sammy Kirui and Caroline Jepchirchir produced superlative showing to win the ninth Family Bank half marathon in Eldoret yesterday.

The duo braved the morning drizzle to wow the huge crowds that lined up along the three loops of Eldoret town.

Kirui, the 2009 Gothenburg Half Marathon winner in Sweden, shrugged off a six-year nagging injury as he obliterated strong opposition to win an unofficial course record of 62.41.0, as he recorded his maiden home victory.

Geoffrey Kipyego, another homeboy, finished second in 63:07, while Robert Kipkorir sealed the podium place in 63:26.

Kirui stormed into the lead from the gun and went on to exchange the lead with Kipyego and Kipkorir mid-way through the race.

At the 15-kilometre mark, it was clear that Kipyego would chalk up victory as he looked strong, commanding the lead even as Kirui breathed down his neck.

But the strong winds and the light showers slowed Kipyego as he approached the 18km mark, with Kirui and Kipkorir surging forward.

Kirui then stepped up the pace and controlled the race as he widen the gap, producing a storming run to victory.

Kirui, who trains at Strawburg near Kaptagat, said he was surprised with the win.

“I picked an injury in 2009 after setting my personal best of 61:10 in Gothenburg Half Marathon.

“I tried to compete early this year at the Discovery Kenya Half Marathon, but finished 28, which was not pleasing,” he said.

The shy-looking Kirui added: “Since it’s my first competitive race here in six years, I had to give it all.

“When I realised that my opponents were slowing down, I opted to break away.” Barnabas Kosgei, winner at the 2014 Standard Chartered Marathon, finished fourth in 63:27, while Amos Kiplagat (63:36), Elkana Arusei (63;37), Willy Lukanyu (63:42)Kurui Chesang (63:49), Douglas Kimeli (63:59) and Philip Kiprono followed in that order.

In the women’s race, Caroline Jepchirchir won the title in 74:01 after she relegated Betty Lembus (74:03) to the second slot. Sophy Jepchirchir was third in 74:20.

Rose Jepchumba finished fourth in 74:34, followed by Peris Cherono (74:43), Janet Masai (75:03), Agnes Jepkosgei (75:24), Silvia Kibiego (75:30), Sheilah Cherotich (75:33) and Ruth Matebo (75:35).

Jepchirchir, a runner-up finisher at the second edition of Chemususu half marathon in Baringo County two weeks ago, said she used the event as a rehearsal ahead of the Nairobi Stanchart marathon later this month.

“I am very delighted with the victory today and it has motivated me for the next assignment in Nairobi,” she said.